The 90/10 Rules of SEO: Why Understanding Searchers Matters More Than Keywords

SEO is about the searcher's intent or Keywords? If keywords or Search Intent, What percentages ratios matter in SEO

Let's sum up the math, but before you share with me, Have you ever felt lost in the labyrinth of SEO jargon and ever-changing algorithms?

You're not alone. Many perceive SEO as a technical mystery, but at its core lies a fundamental truth: The 90/10 Rules of SEO: understanding your audience.

Momennul Ahmad perfectly captures this 90/10 SEO Essence:

“Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is about 90% understanding how searchers search and get your brand on top of the Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs). The remaining 10% involves optimizing your content for search engines. - Momenul Ahmad

This quote dismantles the myth that SEO is just about keyword stuffing. It's about decoding the searcher's mindset.

The 90% SEO: Cracking the Searcher Code

Imagine you have a direct line into your ideal customer's mind. What questions are they asking? What problems are they trying to solve? This is the power of understanding search intent.

• - Keyword Research: Beyond Just Words

Check out these resources for advanced keyword research techniques:

• Search engines prioritize websites that offer a delightful user experience. This includes:

In the footer a helpful guide on crafting a winning SEO strategy:

Content that Answers "Why" Don't just provide information; answer the "why" behind the search. Why are they interested in this topic? What are their pain points? How can your content be the ultimate solution?

1. Understanding User Search Intent (45%): This involves diving deep into the "why" behind user searches. Are they looking for information, ready to make a purchase, or comparing products? Understanding the user's intent is crucial for crafting content that aligns with their needs and expectations.

2. Achieving Intended SERPs Results (45%): This involves optimizing your website and content to rank for relevant keywords and appear on the first page of search results. This includes optimizing your website's structure, content, and technical SEO to ensure that search engines can easily understand and index your site.

The 10%: Optimizing Your Content for Search Engines

Understanding searchers is the foundation, but technical SEO plays a supporting role.

• On-Page Optimization: The Technical Tweaks
• Strategic Keyword Placement: Integrate relevant keywords naturally throughout your content, including titles, headings, and meta descriptions.
• Image Optimization: Use descriptive filenames and alt text for images. This helps search engines understand your images and improves accessibility.
• Internal Linking: Link to relevant pages within your website to improve site structure and user navigation.
• Off-Page Optimization: Building Authority
• Backlinks: Earn high-quality backlinks from reputable websites to signal to search engines that your website is trustworthy and authoritative.
• Social Media Engagement: Promote your content on social media platforms to increase visibility and drive traffic to your website.

Putting the Pieces Together: The SEO Endgame

The 90/10 rule emphasizes that SEO isn't about manipulating algorithms. It's about understanding your audience, creating content that resonates with their needs, and building a strong online presence that fosters trust and engagement.

By focusing on searcher intent and crafting a seamless user experience, you lay the groundwork for long-term SEO success. Technical SEO is important, but it's the human element – understanding and empathizing with your audience – that unlocks true results.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional SEO advice.

Learn more. Here's a recommended reading list based on the provided links:

1. Organic Traffic SEO:
   • SEO Siri: Organic Traffic - Everything You Need to Know
     • This article covers the basics of organic traffic and offers strategies for increasing your site's visibility in search engines.
2. Search Queries & Search Intent:
   • SEO Siri: Understanding Search Queries and Intent
     • Learn about the different types of search queries and how understanding search intent can help tailor your content to meet user needs.
3. Tranco Ranking:
   • SEO Siri: Tranco Ranking - What You Need to Know
     • This article explains the Tranco ranking system and how it differs from other popular ranking methodologies.

Lists chart for "search intent" compared with these articles by features, Here's a table summarizing key differences between the articles: 

Recommended Reading List: Understanding Search Intent for SEO Success

Search intent is a fundamental concept in SEO, influencing how well your content ranks and resonates with users. Here's a curated list of articles to deepen your understanding of search intent and its impact on SEO:

1. Comprehensive Overview: Moz - Learn SEO / Search Intent

• This article from Moz provides a solid foundation for beginners and experienced SEOs alike. It explores the core concepts of search intent, its various types (informational, navigational, transactional, commercial), and its overall importance in SEO strategy.
• Link: https://moz.com/learn/seo/search-intent

2. Practical Application: Backlinko - Hub / SEO / Search Intent

• Backlinko's guide emphasizes the practical application of search intent. It delves into Google's prioritization of content that aligns with user intent and offers actionable strategies for optimizing your content to match user needs.
• Link: https://backlinko.com/hub/seo/search-intent

3. Business Impact: WebFX - SEO / Learn / Why Search Intent Matters to SEO

• This WebFX article highlights the business impact of search intent. It explains how understanding user intent can help you attract valuable leads by ensuring your website offers the content users seek.
• Link: https://www.webfx.com/seo/learn/why-search-intent-matters-to-seo/

4. Structured Approach: Go Fish Digital - Blog / What is Search Intent SEO Guide

• Go Fish Digital offers a structured approach to understanding and implementing search intent principles. This guide is valuable for beginners and experienced practitioners, providing a clear roadmap for integrating search intent into your SEO strategy.
• Link: https://gofishdigital.com/blog/what-is-search-intent-seo-guide/

5. In-Depth Analysis: SEO Testing - Blog / Search Intent

• SEO Testing's article provides an in-depth analysis of different search intent types. This resource is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of the various user goals behind search queries.
• Link: https://seotesting.com/blog/search-intent/

A Comparative Analysis of Search Intent Resources

Search intent is a critical factor in modern SEO. It refers to the underlying reason behind a user's search query—what they're hoping to achieve or find. Understanding and aligning with search intent is paramount for effectively ranking in search results.

This article will analyze five key features of search intent by focus, depth, and target audience:

• Moz: Provides a comprehensive overview of search intent, covering its definition, importance, and common types.
• Backlinko: Emphasizes Google's strong focus on search intent and offers practical strategies for optimizing your content to match user intent.
• WebFX: Highlights the significance of search intent for SEO success, particularly in driving valuable leads to your website.
• Go Fish Digital: Offers a practical guide to understanding and applying search intent principles, making it valuable for both beginners and experienced SEO practitioners.
• SEO Testing: Provides an in-depth analysis of different search intent types, equipping readers with a strong foundational understanding of this crucial concept.

Depth of Coverage

• Moz: Delves deeply into the core concepts of search intent, providing a solid foundation for further exploration.
• Backlinko: Offers a strong emphasis on practical application, guiding readers on how to implement search intent strategies.
• WebFX: Focuses on the business impact of search intent, demonstrating how aligning with user intent can drive tangible results.
• Go Fish Digital: Provides a structured approach to implementing search intent, making it easy for readers to follow and apply the concepts.
• SEO Testing: Offers an in-depth analysis of different search intent types, providing a comprehensive understanding of this multifaceted concept.

Target Audience

• Moz: Suitable for both SEO professionals and beginners, offering a balanced approach to the topic.
• Backlinko: Primarily geared towards experienced SEOs and marketers who are looking to refine their search intent optimization strategies.
• WebFX: Tailored towards business owners and marketers who want to understand the importance of search intent for their SEO campaigns.
• Go Fish Digital: Caters to a broad audience, including both SEO practitioners and those new to the field.
• SEO Testing: Primarily aimed at SEOs and those who are deeply interested in improving their SEO knowledge and understanding of search intent.

By carefully considering each resource's focus, depth, and target audience, you can choose the one that best suits your specific needs and learning goals.

Disclaimer: This analysis is based on the provided summaries and does not constitute an endorsement of any particular resource...

By exploring these articles, you'll gain a well-rounded understanding of search intent and its role in crafting effective SEO strategies. Remember, aligning your content with user intent is crucial for attracting organic traffic and achieving your SEO goals.

These articles from SEO Siri will give you comprehensive insights into organic traffic, search queries, intent, and the Tranco ranking system. Happy reading! 📚

Thank you

Momenul Ahmad

MomenulAhmad: Helping businesses, brands, and professionals with ethical  SEO and digital Marketing. Digital Marketing Writer, Digital Marketing Blog (Founding) Owner at SEOSiri, SEO Copywriter (Remote) at Octoparse - Octopus Data Inc, SE Ranking AI Writer Reviewer, Web Writer at Washington MORNING, CMO at Organic Agri Pro, Web Developer and  Digital Marketing Strategist at nazrulsangeet.com a parental concern of Sangeet Bidya Bithi, (Gopalpur Shishu Shikkha Niketon), Pabna, Partner at Brand24.

Updated: 01-07-2025